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St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings | terrica skaggs
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bride and groom at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island
Mar 26 2021

Jekyll Club Hotel & Crane Cottage Wedding

COVID-19 restrictions, postponed weddings, venue changes and grey skies couldn’t keep Lauren, Christian or our Cocktails & Details® team down.

Save the Drama

With gathering restrictions changing weddings’ size and scope, this adorable couple was forced to change wedding venues. A blessing in disguise, Lauren’s dream wedding venue, Crane Cottage, was available.

Then, forty-five days before their wedding date, mandatory COVID-19 restrictions caused a postponement. So, an October 31st wedding was set in place.

Custom wedding invitations with Jekyll Island map, wedding rings and the brides accessories

Girl Time

With the Jekyll Island Club’s expansive accommodations, our couple was able to relax and enjoy time with their wedding parties at opposite ends of the resort.

Lauren spent her morning with her bridal party getting ready in the Crane Cottage’s beautiful bridal suite. Lauren chose a form-fitting white strapless dress for her wedding gown with a flared bottom and sweeping train. 

We love the dusty blue tones of her bridesmaids’ dresses, a color carried through the wedding as a soft accent color. It paired perfectly with the sage tones of the lush greenery and white floral accents.

Bride and her bridesmaids at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island

The bride’s bouquet was a loose Boho-inspired design with luscious white peonies, ranunculus, Eskimo roses, and white lisianthus. The look was finished with French wired ribbon and a unique, very personal touch. Lauren’s mother gifted her beautiful vintage-inspired lockets and a gold coin to honor her grandparents on her wedding day.

bride holding a Boho-inspired bridal bouquet with white roses, lisianthks and ranunculus
bridal bouquet with vintage photo lockets of her grandparents

Silly with a Splash of Seriousness 

Christian, who admits his favorite article of clothes, is a pair of broken-in grey Converse sneakers and randomly breaks into song and dance {. Something that always makes Lauren smile} was all business today.

groom looking in the error as he ties his bow tie before his Jekyll Island wedding

He spent his day getting ready at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. His classic tuxedo with a shawl lapel and bow tie was the look of the day. 

As a wedding gift for his bride-to-be, Christian chose a stunning pair of emerald earrings. For her gift, Lauren gifted Christian adoption papers for her dog- a gift that brought her groom to tears.

handsome groom wearing a classic tuxedo with a shawl collar and bow tie
groom crying after opening the thoughtful wedding gift from his bride-to-be

No Rain No Rainbows

Grey skies the afternoon of their wedding prevented our couple from heading off as initially planned for their first look. However, the beautiful architecture and wrought iron detailing of their wedding venue swept them away to the Italian villa of their fantasy wedding. Our Cocktails & Details® team thinks their wedding portraits that followed are pretty amazing.

bride walking up behind her groom-to-be for their first look at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
groom anxiously waiting as his bride-to-be walks up behind hm for their first lookout Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
smiling groom as he sees his bride-to-be for the first time during their first look at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
bride and groom posing for wedding portraits in the courtyard at Crane Cottage
grey skies moved this couple's wedding portraits inside the living room at Crane Cottage

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

With the weather not cooperating, their wedding ceremony in the Sunken Garden was moved into Crane Cottage’s living room. Our Cocktails & Details® design team quickly transformed the space. The incredibly detailed fireplace mantle became a focal point of the wedding ceremony with the addition of several dozen chunky pillar candles and lush white hydrangea – one of the bride’s favorite flowers.

Lauren’s little brother, our fabulous ring bearer, brought Christian the rings to begin the wedding ceremony with wedding guests in place. Lauren smiled ear to ear as she made her way down the aisle to her anxiously awaiting groom.

ring bearer handing pillow with wedding rings to groom in the Crane Cottage living room
smiling bride as she walks down the aisle to her groom despite the ceremony moving indoors
groom holding back tears as his bride walks down the aisle to him on their wedding day

Despite the weather outside, the couple exchanged their vows in a touching ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. They sealed their wedding vows with a kiss and the perfect recessional song for this fun couple – Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

bride and groom exchanging wedding vows in front of a beautifully decorated fireplace in the Crane Cottage living room

Cocktails & Details®

With skies clearing, the newlyweds headed off for a few additional photos. At the same time, guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne. 

Newly married bride and groom walking across the lawn at the Jekyll Island Club

The cocktail hour was filled with tasty treats and specially selected signature cocktails, and monogrammed cocktail koozies.

water color artwork showcasing a couple's signature cocktails for their Crane Cottage wedding
custom drink koozies for a Jekyll Island wedding

The outdoor tented reception allowed for a physically distant design that still incorporated all of the beautiful details the couple envisioned. Tables we dressed in crisp with linen with dusty blue napkins as accents. Gold-toned containers and votive candles alongside the lush white and green floral arrangements and pillar candle clusters created a classic, elegant tablescape.

a socially distant tented wedding at JekyllIsland's Crane Cottage
White floral wedding centerpiece with lush greenery for a tented outdoor wedding at Crane Cottage

Thriller!

The wedding reception under a starry sky began with introductions, and the newlyweds first dance to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

bride and groom taking to the dance floor for their first dance at a tented wedding reception at Crane Cottage

The evening was filled with delicious food and sweet toasts. The couple’s fun side was brought out with some Halloween Candy as their wedding favor, pizza as a late-night bite for wedding guests. When the wedding band played Thriller, they brought down the house.

band members of Power To Play with a few scary touches for a Halloween wedding at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island

Lauren and Christian’s evening came to a close after enjoying this simple, elegant, and yummy four-tiered white wedding cake. The groom’s cake was the perfect choice for Christian – a 007 inspired modern gold cake.

sleek modern four-tiered white wedding cake with a single white peonie
gold 007 inspired grooms cake

Following their grand exit under a shower of white rose petals, our couple headed off into the night. Congratulations, Lauren and Christian!

newlywed couple making their grand exit under a shower of white rose petals
newlywed couple scooting off in a gold cart after their Jekyll Island wedding

The Wedding Team

Jekyll Island Wedding Planner: Cocktails & Details®

Jekyll Island Wedding Venue: Jekyll Club Hotel- Crane Cottage

Hair and Makeup: Amy Jenkins and Paula Fields Makeup Artistry

Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Music By Pegge

Officiant: Michael Exum

Wedding Cake: Sweet Luncheonette

Groom’s Cake: Cathy Huber Cakes

Band: Power To Party

Wedding Photographer: Tamara Gibson

Wedding Cinematographer: Labif Filmhouse

Floral Design and Rentals: Cocktails & Details®

Bride and grommet Horton hose on Jekyll Island
Jan 22 2021

Villa Marianna & Westin Jekyll Island Wedding

Take a fun couple who loves live music and travel and whose got planning underway, and Cocktails & Details® will pull it together and make it fabulous!

Meet Jennie and Alex

This fantastic couple selected not one but two unique Jekyll Island venues for their wedding day. 

Historic Villa Marianna would be the site of their wedding ceremony and outdoor cocktail reception. Then guests would be transported to the Westin Jekyll Island for dinner and dancing under the stars with an afterparty to follow! The stage was set for a fabulous day.

Get Ready

Jennie looked spectacular in her form-fitting wedding gown. One of two dresses for her wedding day. She chose an off the shoulder gown with crisscrossing fabric in the bodice. Her hair, worn down, and pulled to one side, created an elegant but relaxed look. 

Her loose hand-tied bridal bouquet consisted of lush greenery, white garden roses, and touches of deep burgundy-including hanging amaranthus.

bride and her bridal party getting dressed at the Westin Jekyll Island
bride wearing a form fitting, off the shoulder wedding gown with a criss cross bodice detail
bridal bouquet of greenery, white garden roses and burgundy flowers including hanging amaranthus

Alex and his guys went for a very classic look – black tuxedo, bow tie, and suspenders. Boutonnieres of white roses and eucalyptus seeds got a rustic touch with organic ribbon.

groom and groomsmen getting ready at the Westin Jekyll Island
white rose boutonnieres with seeded eucalyptus and a rustic ribbon

First Look and Fabulous Portraits

Midafternoon, the couple were each transported to Horton house for their first look, some spectacular wedding portraits, and some photos with their wedding party.

The Jekyll Island settings for their portraits are swoon-worthy and some of our favorite moments of the day!

bride and groom having their first look at the historic Horton House in Jekyll Island
first look at Horton House in Jekyll Island
bride and groom taking wedding portraits before their Jekyll Island wedding
Jekyll Island wedding photos
bride and groom posting for wedding photos
bride and groom with their wedding party

Bird Seed, Flower Petals, and an Old Oak Tree

The couple chose a two-hundred-year-old oak tree at Villa Marianna as the backdrop to exchange their wedding vows.

The processional included an entourage of young boys tossing birdseed and a young lady sprinkling flower petals.

birdseed boys and flower girls at a Villa Marianna wedding ceremony

Escorted by her mother, Jennie made her entrance to Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. The ceremony included several readings, lots of laughs, and several tears. The tranquil outdoor setting was just perfect for these happy newlyweds.

Bride making her entrance escorted by her mother at Villa Marianna
outdoor Jekyll Island wedding ceremony under a two hundred year old tree at Villa Marianna
Just Married! Bride and groom kiss at the end of their Villa Mariana wedding ceremony

Cocktails & Details®

A Must-Have for Jennie and Alex were shots and cigars with their wedding party immediately after the wedding ceremony. The list also included a killer oyster bar and appetizers reflecting their travels from around the world.

bride and groom toasting with wedding party after Villa Marianna wedding ceremony
Fresh raw oysters and oyster shooters during cocktail hour at Jekyll Island wedding
International fruit and cheese display for cocktail hour at Jekyll Island wedding

The cocktail reception in Villa Marianna’s mosaic courtyard included a live jazz trio and two signature cocktails. A French 75 made with gin, lemon, and champagne, and a Hemmingway Daiquiri with rum, lime, and grapefruit.

Sunset Photos

As the cocktail hour drew to a close, guests were transported to the reception. The newlyweds took a few minutes for some stunning sunset photographs and a quick change.

Sunset wedding photos at Villa Marianna

Alex changed to a Navy-blue tuxedo jacket with a shawl collar, keeping his bow tie- a simple white pocket square was the only accessory needed.

Jennie chose a white two-piece look with a long white mermaid skirt and a modern lace off the shoulder top – she was ready to dance the night away.

Oceanside Dinner and Dancing

The reception was held in the ocean side courtyard of The Westin Jekyll Island. The outdoor space was set for dinner and dancing with outdoor space heaters added for the crisp night.

Groom boating his bride and welcoming guests at their Westin Jekyll Island outdoor wedding reception

Following introductions, Alex began the evening with a welcome and a toast. The toast was followed by a delicious dinner and cutting of an awesome two-tiered drip wedding cake and a selection of incredible custom donuts.

cake table set with a two tiered drip wedding cake and family wedding photos at the Westin Jekyll Island
Buckeyes were one of the custom flavor donuts at a Westin Jekyll Island wedding reception

Love, Love, Love!

Following dinner, the couple opened the first dance to Lay Down by Son Little and Alex’s dance with his mother.

In honor of her late father, Jennie and her brothers sang a karaoke of his favorite song –  We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel.

The fantastic band kept the dancefloor packed all night and included several custom covers of the bride and groom’s favorite songs.

After a sparkling sendoff wedding, guests joined the newlyweds for an afterparty in the hotel ballroom.

wedding guests sending newlyweds off under a shower of sparklers at the Westin Jekyll Island

Congratulations, Jennie and Alex. We wish you a lifetime filled with great food, music and new adventures!

The Wedding Team

Jekyll Island Wedding Planner: Cocktails & Details

Wedding Ceremony Venue: Villa Marianna

Hair & Makeup: b. Lush Salon

Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musicians: South City Live

Jekyll Island Reception Venue: Westin Jekyll Island

Band: South City Live

Wedding Photographer: Ave Nocturna

Floral Designer: Jori

Transportation: St. Simons Trolley

couple wearing masks as they meet with their wedding planner
Nov 13 2020

Let’s Talk About The ‘C-Word’

Our Cocktails & Details® team hasn’t been using the ‘C-Word,’ – COVID-19 – in our blogs, and social media. Instead, we’ve focused on sharing the fantastic images and stories of our couples.

Weddings Reimagined

Earlier this year, we talked with People TV and The Knot about reimaging weddings during COVID-19. We focused on reimagining intimate experiences that captured what our clients wanted in their original wedding plans.

Reimagining weddings focused on incorporating personal details and unique elements, but on a slightly smaller scale. 

The World As We Know It

As life moves forward, regulations in our little corner of the world, especially around COVID-19 and weddings, have become a little blurry.

What is required, interpreting guidelines, and what is enforced has become confusing for our couples and pros alike.

smiling bride and groom at a wedding planning meeting wearing masks

Rules that allow for fifty people in a space, but allow more than fifty people if you can maintain physical distancing, are hard to decode. For example, outdoor weddings are permitted and encouraged. Even wedding receptions in a tent are allowed – but just not a tent with walls.

Some venues are requiring masks inside. Unfortunately, other spaces are not enforcing masks. And, while we know guests are not required to wear masks while eating and drinking, many are getting a little too comfortable and not putting them back on after dinner.

Reality Of COVID-19 for Wedding Pros

We’re not here to bash people who are not enforcing the rules. We want to share the reality of our Cocktails & Details® team and many of the pros we know.

A majority of the wedding pros we are working with are wearing masks. Wedding pros who are fortunate enough to be working might be around multiple couples and their guests in a single week. Not only do we have families at home that we’re trying to protect, but we’re trying to protect you as well.

wedding vendor putting on a protective mask

Don’t be surprised if some of your wedding pros ask you to sign a waiver. We’re just trying to make sure we’re all safe and protected.

Sharing The Truth

And, it won’t surprise you that our Cocktails & Details® team will be completely honest with you. We’re liable to tell you, ‘yes, you can do this, but think about the complications!’

And honestly, we’ll get the job done, your day will be fantastic – but don’t expect any hugging or kissing from us. We love you, but we’ll get the job done from six paces away.

Suggestions for Safer Weddings

Here are some planning and design suggestions we have put into place or recommend for creating a safer environment.

Getting Ready

makeup artist applying lipstick to a bride
  • Whenever possible, request larger cottages or meeting spaces so that wedding parties can spread out while getting ready. This provides a more comfortable space for them. But also a safer work environment for the hair and makeup artists, photographers, and videographers working with them.
  • Take some time ahead of the wedding to gather your accessories, personal items, and things like invitations so they can be photographed away from the wedding party.
  • Consider the idea of choosing outdoor locations to do portraits, family, and wedding party photos wherever possible.
silhouette of a photographer giving direction to a bride and groom

Safer Ceremony Seating

We’re always mindful of physically distant seating when it comes to wedding ceremonies.

  • Outdoor wedding ceremonies offer more space to accomplish physical distancing and include beautiful design elements.
  • Indoors, primarily in houses of worship with pews, roping off every other pew can keep your guests safely separated. 
  • In some areas, houses of worship require assigned seating to maintain physical distancing. Our Cocktails & Details® design team can assist in creating seating charts and pew numbers, similar to those used for a wedding reception. 
  • Make masks available to wedding guests who have not brought their own. Providing hand sanitizer is always a nice touch as well.
masks and hand sanitizer for wedding guests

Cocktails & Details®

  • Whenever possible, take advantage of outdoor spaced for all or a portion of your cocktail hour.
  • Consider displaying multiple seating charts or dividing escort cards onto several tables to keep wedding guests from crowding together.
  • Our Cocktails & Details® team makes sure that high touch areas like your guest book or gift table are wiped down frequently. Including containers for new and used pens.
  • For your cocktail hour and late night snacks, stations and passed bites can be plated into individual portions. 
individually portioned French fries and condiments for late night wedding snacks

Doing Dinner Right

  • Ceremony structures and décor can often be repurposed for your reception. These can create decorative dividers that can work well for areas like the bar to keep guests from crowding. 
  • Display signage with Signature Cocktails, beer, and wine selections several feet out from the bar. Signage can assist in making choices before they reach the bar and keep the line moving. 
  • In addition to keeping dining tables six feet apart – consider a redesign for some smaller tables, keeping family groups seated together.
  • Plated dinner service can help minimize unnecessary movement. Consider a served salad rather than a preset salad. During dinner, Wine service is an elegant touch and keeps guests from moving around and gathering at the bar.
  • If you choose to offer a buffet dinner, sneeze guards are a MUST. But, also consider investing in additional staff to serve guests, rather than having them touch utensils.
a wooden box with a bottle of red wine for service at a wedding

Toasts, Entertainment, and Wedding Cake

  • DJs and MCs can usually provide additional microphones for the people making toasts – these can easily be wiped down before and after each toast or blessing.
  • Gathering on a dancefloor can be a significant concern. Creating multiple smaller dance floors around the ballroom or dancing outdoors can be creative and safe options.
  • If dancing is not an option, look at other entertainment forms to keep your wedding guests engaged. Specialty musicians, singers, or performances can add a unique and personal touch.
  • Photobooths can easily be adapted to include single-use props and provide hand sanitizer.
  • Consider a smaller version of your wedding cake for display purposes with the cake being cut and plated or boxed for your guests.
Intimate wedding cake to display while cutting remaining wedding cake in the kitchen

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg! 

We know that every couple, family, and situation are different. Our Cocktails & Details® planning and design teams are happy to work with you to create an incredible wedding day- memorable for all the right reasons.

Our Cocktails & Details® team looks forward to celebrating safely with you and your loved ones.  

bride and groom in beach at Jekyll Island surrounded by driftwood
Oct 09 2020

Jekyll Island Wedding- The Westin

Working with Michelle and David last year on their beautiful Jekyll Island wedding was an incredible experience for our Cocktails & Details® teams. 

They are admittedly the perfect complement to each other. We were blown away by the time and thoughtfulness that went into their wedding and being surrounded by family and friends.

The Ideal Wedding Location

The Westin was the ideal wedding venue for them, with everything onsite so family and friends could spend time together. It was where they had their first vacation together and simultaneously their first iterations of ‘I love You.” So, it holds a lot of sentimental meaning, was a very low key, intimate beach setting.

During their time on the island, wedding guests had the opportunity to golf, fish, or relax on the beach.

Their Wedding Style

Michelle chose a show-stopping wedding gown by Casablanca Bridal. The fit and flare silhouette layered textures and textiles, combining satin, Chantilly lace, and touches of delicate beadwork with illusion lace back and a plunging V-neckline. 

Our Cocktails & Details® team created a loose hand-tied European style bridal bouquet of ranunculus, spray roses, lisianthus, and mixed eucalyptus greenery. Blush garden roses began the color story of dusty rose and indigo blue that would flow through the wedding.

Chloe by Casablanca Bridal incorporates lace applique, satin and Chantilly lace with delicate beading and an illusion back with a deep V-neckline
Jekyll Island bride wearing a fit and flare style gown by Casablanca Bridal carrying a pink and white bridal bouquet by Cocktails and Details

Her wedding party’s attire continued the story with the ladies wearing long, flowing, dusty rose dresses. The dresses allowed each lady to choose a neckline that complimented figure and personal style.

Jekyll Island bride with her bridal party wearing dusty rose bridesmaid's dresses carrying pink and white bouquets

David and his wedding party were dressed in handsome indigo-colored suits with dusty rose ties to pair with the bridesmaid’s dresses.

Groom earring an indigo blue suite with a white ranunculus boutonniere adjusts his pocket square
bride and groom after their first look

The Ceremony

Michelle and David’s outdoor ceremony was set beyond the resort’s courtyard with sweeping lawns and rustic natural backdrop. 

Four tall floral arrangements in blush and white rested on clear acrylic columns at the aisle entrance. White garden chairs and rose petals lead to the dark wood chuppah draped in flowing white fabric and accented with floral swags.

outdoor wedding ceremony at The Westin Jekyll Island

As wedding guests gathered on the lawn, David’s nephew played a prelude of classical music. The ceremony music selections included a processional of Canon in D, with the bride making her entrance to the Bridal Chorus.

bride walking down the iaisle with her father at the Westin Jekyll Island

Michelle and David exchanged wedding rings under the chuppah before a traditional glass breaking and sealing their vows with a kiss.

bride and groom exchanging wedding vows under a chuppah at the Westin Jekyll Island

COCKTAILS & DETAILS®

Inside the ballroom, final touches were made to the reception decor. 

Tall white and dusty rose floral arrangements on glass vases were intermixed with organic flowing centerpieces in gold pedestal bowls and florals in petite glass balls. Floating, cylinder, and votive candles filled the tables.

Gold Napoleon chairs, charger plates, and votive candles added a golden shimmer to the soft pink and white backdrop.

The Westin Jekyll Island's Grand Ballroom set with pink and white florals, candles and gold Napoleon chairs.
Long tables draped with white linen accented with pink and white flora with gold chairs and accents
Grand Ballroom at The Westin Jekyll Island set for an elegant wedding reception by Cocktails and Details

The newlyweds began the evening with their first dance to ‘Til Death Do Us Part by Brian Nhira. Their dance was followed by a few words from the groom and a delicious multi-course plated dinner with wine service.

One of Michelle and David’s requests was the have everyone up on the dance floor all evening, and our team delivered with a packed dancefloor.

bride and groom dining with the bride's mother at her Jekyll Island wedding reception
bride and groom dining during their wedding reception at the Westin Jekyll Island

The evening came to a close with the bride and groom cutting an elegant three-tiered white wedding cake accented with pink roses and a custom gold cake topper, before making a grand exit under a shower of sparklers.

bride and groom cutting their three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with pink roses
Bride and groom making a grand exit under a shower of sparklers at their Westin Jekyll Island wedding reception

Congratulations, Michelle and David! Our Cocktails & Details® team wishes you a fabulous life together!

Newlyweds kissing under a shower of sparklers after their Jekyll Island wedding

The Event Team

Thank you to the wedding professionals who brought this Jekyll Island wedding to life.

Wedding Planning Team: Cocktails & Details® 

Jekyll Island Wedding Venue: The Westin, Jekyll Island

Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Island Sound

Wedding Officiant: Kim Bashor, Hitching Hearts 

DJ: Island Sound

Wedding Photographer: Rainey Gregg Photography

Florals and Rentals: Cocktails & Details® 

Hair & Makeup: Fantasy Hair and Makeup

Wedding Cake: Sweet Luncheonette


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The Life of a Wedding Planner: Engage 09

Engage 09 Something Blue

 

When you’re a wedding planner, people think that your job is so much “fun”(!!!), playing in pretty dresses and linens, picking lush  flowers for a centerpiece and choosing delectable seven tiered wedding cakes.  Many don’t view this line of “work” as work at all, let alone hard work.  While I and my colleagues know that nothing could be further from the truth, the following post will not help my case.

Engage09 Speakers  Engage 09 Speakers

In June, I attended the Engage!09 Luxury Wedding Business Summit in Grand Cayman, which is the brainchild of Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts. There,  wedding professionals from literally across the globe were gathered to hear from experts such as the Wizard of Ahh’s himself, event designer Preston Bailey, wedding cake coutourier  Sylvia Weinstock, the fabulous Marcy Blum as well as editors of some of your favorite magazines such as The Knot, Brides, Modern Bride & Elegant Bride, as well as Martha Stewart Weddings.  The second day, we were able to have small group sessions with industry builders and advancers like former president of Preston Bailey Designs,  Sean Low, Randy Fenoli of TLC’s “Say Yes To the Dress” and Kleinfeld Bridal, beauty and brains Harmony Walton  of  The Bridal Bar (be sure to visit their new Bridal Bar Location in Atlanta, too!), the incomparable Michelle Rago, Bee Kim, the mastermind behind Wedding Bee, “style obsessed”  Abby Larson  of Style Me Pretty and so many more.  It was also great to see and support good friends who served as panelists as well like Liene Stevens of Think Splendid and Lara Casey of Southern Weddings and the new Lara Casey Reps.

cosmopolitan martini with lime creme brulee with berries

As planner, and being naturally fabulous, I had all of my outfits planned—with a few wardrobe changes in between (yes, I’m serious…I ran into Randy Fenoli  at one of the dinner parties and he exclaimed, ‘”Girl!  Did you change again!?”).  So imagine my horror when my luggage was delayed prior to the conference’s welcome party on the beach.  So there I was, stuck with what I had on since 4AM and what I like to call my “TSA approved 1 quart ziploc makeup bag”.  I shudder as I reminisce… Nevertheless, it turned out wonderfully!  I had a fabulous roommate—Monica  of The White Box of Wedding Design, and her husband was equally fabulous— I had a cosmo and creme brulee delivered to my room as a gift for,  and I quote “Taking care of his baby” while we were in Grand Cayman.  I know.  I should ask them to adopt me.  Monica was fabulous—we sat up most of the nights talking (sometimes via Skype with her husband) and laughing!

image Welcome Beach Party Orchid Bar Design by Michelle Rago fireworks over the beach engage09

The parties were absolutely gorgeous—it was so nice to be on the receiving end of great linens, design concept, florals and live music for a change.  It was funny, because during the beach party (which was literally on the beach, with a tiffany blue carpet to strut on and shoe valet), something dropped and I remember laughing as I and about 10 other wedding planners and vendors all raced to fix it and replace it before it was noticed.  Part of the job!  It was also great to meet friends I talk to daily but don’t get a chance to see often (some I had never met in person until now!)  and those that I consider friends after falling in love with them over martinis and 1 AM fries.  Yes, this totally includes my new BFF, Michael Landry of Gucci. Michael and I met serendipitously over a  Tortuga rum cake tasting, and I was just as lucky to have gone on to dinner with him and other professional at the exclusive dine-arounds, which ours was hosted by Randy Fenoli (Be sure to check out  Randy???s recap that includes pictures our dinner and fun times).

Ok, so enough chatting…how about some pictures?

 

 

Engage09 lunch menu mozzerella, tomato and bruscetta

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You know I’m a total foodie—had to get pictures of our lunch!

 

orchid and white rose arrangementGorgeous arrangements and linen from La Tavola Linen were staples of the conference

wedding planners marcy blum and michelle rago wedding planner terrica skaggs of fabuluxe in jekyll island georgia with event designer Preston Bailey

Marcy Blum, Michelle Rago and Preston Bailey and myself

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The final night of the conference was a stunning party with lighting, draping, huge hanging decor…you know, the things that a wedding planner or designer’s dreams are made of!

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I

love this picture, because it pretty much sums up the night—fabulous shoes (noticeably off due to all the dancing) and an empty champagne glass!


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Join Me & Friends Next Week for OneWed’s Wedding Pre-Party!

Pink and Green floral One Wed Launc Party Invite

I am so excited to be on the panel of experts for OneWed’s WeddingPreParty.com Launch Party on August 5th!  Anyone that knows me knows that I love all things party and tech, so this is the perfect concoction of my favorites! It’s your wedding planning meets social networking—so yes, it even uses Facebook Connect! Now you can connect with your bridal party on so many levels- allow them to meet each other before the wedding, issue tasks and duties and so much more!

NBC Chicago showcased  the WeddingPreParty and even Mashable did a great writeup. To quote Ben:

…That’s why OneWed’s approach intrigues us. The wedding planning website has launched Wedding Pre-Party, a new website that essentially creates your own private (and organized) version of Facebook (Facebook) where friends and guests can share tips, add photos, and keep informed about all the fun (and terror) leading up to the big day.

Check out some screenshots:

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You’ll be able to win some fab prizes as well as gain advice and learn all about Wedding PreParty.

How to Win:
Choose any and all of the options below. And let us know in the comments what ya did!
1. RSVP here using Mr Linky
2. Crash our wedding, register with OneWed and leave us a Toast
3. Tweet about OneWed’s Wedding Pre-Party & Twitter party
4. Blog about OneWed’s Wedding Pre-Party & Twitter party
5. Become a Fan on Facebook
6. Follow us on Twitter
6. Answer or ask questions during the Twitter party
7. Visit the blogs of our expert panel & come back and comment
8. Let every engaged couple, single friend looking for love, wedding vendor, wedding party member know about Wedding Pre-Party!

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I will be joining Dana of Broke Ass Bride, wedding blogger Jaime of It’s A Jaime Thing, Chris of The Man Registry, as we unveil the awesome new WeddingPreParty.com.  Join us on Twitter and use the hashtag #preparty and join the fun!

Be sure to follow me on Twitter—  can’t wait to clink glasses with you 😉  See you on August 5th at 9PM!


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Eventology 2009

Photo :: JK Photography

I had the best time!  I was honored and humbled to speak at Eventology this year in Indianapolis, IN.  Planned by Katasha Butler of K. Sherrie + Co, I was able to speak alongside two women who I am so proud to call colleagues, but also lovingly call them friends:  Saundra Hadley of Planning…Forever Events and Liene Stevens of The Smart Planner.  It was really great to see Katasha’s vision come to fruition and to see so many planners and professionals reap the benefit of that vision in so many different ways.

Photo by JK Photography

It was really great to come face to face with so many people that I have interacted with for literally years.  To wrap your arms around some brilliant colleagues that you have laughed, cried and vented with was awesome.  Bill from Fabulous Events designed beautiful tables in some of my favorite colors—hot pink, tangerine and black, with the help of Deborah of A Bride’s Florist.?? Eventology was special because of the mutual respect of all the attendees for each other and the speakers.  It was great to get instant feedback, stories, and experiences of others during our time together.  Having attendees that came from across the country, it was interesting to see different methods of action, experiences and ideas.  Even as a speaker, I had an opportunity to learn so much from and through everyone, and am grateful to all of those that attended.

We were treated to a cocktail hour at the Omni Severin and a party at Club Six’s Milk Bar.  I didn’t get to stay long at the Milk Bar, as I wanted to be bright eyed and bushy-tailed to speak the following day, but the atmosphere was gorgeous.  Big snaps to la trabajadora, Eliana of By Your Side Events, who was able to get us some Nuvo for the party at Club Six.

There are great pictures every where on the net—the event’s official photographer, Jennifer Badalamenti of JK photography shared hers here, a recap from my fellow speaker, wedding planner sales genius (and friend) Saundra Hadley, Latrice of Opulent Events shared her experience, as did Aletha of Pearls Events, i do Signature Events, April Foster (finally, so happy to meet another glamazon like myself!) recapped, Amanda from Bliss Events was gracious enough to do a recap as well.

And of course…here are my not so official pictures…you know, where the party really is

Eventology

Precious (I SO heart her) of Precious Nuptials and Destinations with Charles Penn of Le’ Penn Designs

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Le’Trice and Charles Penn of Le’Penn Designs

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Precious & Charles

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Candice of Jubilee Events, Eliana (la trabajadora) of By Your Side Events, Kelly of Weddings By Socialites (rear) and Nicole Scott-Tate of Your Champagne Wishes (far right)

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Candice & Eliana

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Sukai of Dreamy Gelato (looking in her bag…her chocolates are so good,they should be illegal),Andria of Andria Lewis Events (in grey), Kay of Howerton-Wooten Events,

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My two home skillets:  Jennifer of A Regal Affair and Saundra

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LaKendra of Affairs of Elegance, Jeannine of Favor Events and Ami of Elizabeth Anne Designs

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Le’Trice and my Engage!09 roomate, Monica of The White Box

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Liene of The Smart Planner playing dress up. This was fun.

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Everyone’s fabulous shoes—and me with my new couture line for the Spring a la “Huck Finn”.  In other words, I’m the one with the bare foot.

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Liene and Ali Phillips (I SO heart her) of Engaging Events by Ali

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We found a greasy spoon to eat at….Somebody bring me something deep friend and smothered in chocolate!

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On the escalator after dinner

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A big fat bowl of icing from Cinnabon. I believe that is all that needs to be said. Let us bask in its glory.

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We were all taking bets on whether the flowers on the balcony were real.

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Liene and Monica

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Jen, me, Andria, Kelly, Saundra, and Katasha of K. Sherrie + Co., and also the innovator of Eventology.

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Saundra being an OG.  Katasha, visibly impressed.

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Kelly tells the BEST stories. Period.

As you can see, we had an AWESOME time!  I can’t thank all of the attendees for listening to us and teaching us as well!  I truly look forward to see what opportunities and experiences open up for Eventology next year!

Next Up— in Grand Cayman in June!!


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Southern Weddings Magazine Launch Party

Southern Weddings Magazine

 

I had the honor of attending the Southern Weddings magazine launch party in Atlanta at the Dogwood Restaurant.  Lara and her talented team with the help of some other great pros put together an awesome party.  The party was a hit!  I am so glad that I made the trip and got to see so many good friends.  If you’ve been a fan of the Southern Weddings blog, this is a definite treat.

Ginger of Ginger Dupre Photography :: The Fabulous Scarlett Lillian  :: Lara Casey of Southern Weddings and The Bliss Event Group :: Me 🙂

Latrice Cushenberry of Bridal Opulence :: Eliana Baucicault of By Your Side Events :: Katasha Butler of K.Sherrie & Co. :: Melanie Carter of Lucky Paperie (I love her, her baby…who isn’t so much a baby now LOL and her phenomenal work!)

Lara Casey being a wonderful hostess!

Lara and Katasha

Our gang with David Batson a wonderful designer, who kept calling me “Beyonce Girl” all night. He is hilarious.  Can’t wait to work with him.

 

Scarlett and Katasha

 

 

Me and David!

 

Ally of Unforgettable Soirées with Katasha

 

Me and Lara

Latrice and I..and, Latrice: you may say I made you look short, but your hair had extraordinary swag…

 

Me and Scarlett! I just love her! (I might have to make this my wallpaper on the iPhone LOL!)

 

 

I loved these shots from Scarlett too:

 

 

We had an awesome time!  The next day, Scarlett introduced me to Mellow Marshmallow where she, Ginger, Melanie (along with the adorable Miss Zoë), Eliana and Katasha.  I cannot wait to meet up with some of these ladies again when I, along with Liene of Blue Orchid Designs and Saundra of Planning…Forever speak at Eventology 2009.

 

Wish you were there?  Here are some other posts about the awesome party!

 

Scarlett Lillian

Eliana @ By Your Side Events The Venue | The Details | The People

Latrice @ Bridal Opulence Recap | The People

Tara @ Lavish Events

Emily Nickole

 Budget Savvy Bride


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Eventology 2009: The Science of Wedding Business

I have the distinct honor of speaking at Eventology this year.  I am so blessed to have been asked by Katasha Butler of K. Sherrie & Co. to speak alongside such powerhouses as Saundra Hadley of Planning…Forever Events and Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs.  Would you like to meet me in person? If it’s not still illegal in your state, get the details here!

 

wedding planner conference

Are you ready to take your wedding business to the next level?
Are you looking for ways to leverage your brand and increase your company’s reach?
Do you want your business to thrive regardless of the economy?

K Sherrie + Co is proud to present Eventology 2009, an intimate, collaborative and intensive business conference designed

especially for wedding planners. Eventology 2009 will bring you real-life, applicable marketing and business information to use to enhance your wedding planning business.

Three highly successful and renowned wedding planners will be discussing their insight and perspective on how to create and cultivate a prosperous wedding business.
Chat with Saundra Hadley of planning . . . forever events on How to Close the Deal: Sales Methods for the Wedding Industry.

Discuss how to Turn Brides into Fans: Nurturing Your Relationships with Clients with Terrica Skaggs of Fabuluxe, Inc. and iWed: International Network of Wedding Designers.

Learn how to Leverage Your Brand to Reach Today’s Bride: Marketing in a Post-Modern World with Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs and The Smart Planner.

You do not want to miss this educational and networking workshop! Learn the science behind running a successful wedding business, as the reality is if you’re not running a profitable business, it’s just one big expensive hobby.

When: Tuesday, April 7 to Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana at the Omni Severin Hotel
Cost: Early Bird registration is $150 and includes the networking event on Tuesday night and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.
A select amount of rooms will be available at the Omni for the special Eventology rate of $115+tax per night. Space is limited for this conference.

Please sure to look for future announcements regarding the official launch of the Eventology 2009 website and Eventology 2009 blog.

To be included on the email list for Eventology 2009, please send an email to hello{at}eventology2009.com with ‘Mailing List’ in the subject line.

A very special thanks to Tifany of Gourmet Invitations for the logo design!